Multiband communication device for use with a mesh network and methods for use therewith

ABSTRACT

A communication device includes an RF transceiver for communicating first data with at least one of a plurality of remote communication devices via a first protocol and a first frequency band. A millimeter wave transceiver communicates second data with at least one of the plurality of remote communication devices via a second protocol and a second frequency band. A communication control module coordinates the communication of the first data and the second data with the at least one of the plurality of remote communication devices and for establishing a mesh network between the communication device and the plurality of remote communication devices.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. §120, as a continuation, to U.S. Utility application Ser. No.12/240,649, entitled MULTIBAND COMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR USE WITH A MESHNETWORK AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH, filed on Sep. 29, 2008, pending,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety andmade part of the present U.S. Utility patent application for allpurposes.

The present application is related to the following applications:

U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12/240,617, entitled, MULTIBANDCOMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH COMMUNICATION CONTROL AND METHODS FOR USETHEREWITH, filed on Sep. 29, 2008, abandoned;

U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12/240,637, entitled, MULTIBANDCOMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR USE WITH A LOCAL AREA NETWORK AND METHODS FORUSE THEREWITH, filed on Sep. 29, 2008, pending;

U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12/240,663, entitled, MULTIBANDCOMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH GRAPHICAL CONNECTION INTERFACE AND METHODS FORUSE THEREWITH, filed on Sep. 29, 2008, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,831,738 on Nov. 9, 2010;

U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12/240,672, entitled, MULTIBANDCOMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING A VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK ANDMETHODS FOR USE THEREWITH, filed on Sep. 29, 2008, abandoned;

U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12/240,681, entitled, MULTIBANDCOMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR COMMUNICATION CONTROL OF REMOTE DEVICES ANDMETHODS FOR USE THEREWITH, filed on Sep. 29, 2008, pending;

the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to mobile communication devices andmore particularly to a wireless communications used therewith.

2. Description of Related Art

Communication systems are known to support wireless and wire linedcommunications between wireless and/or wire lined communication devices.Such communication systems range from national and/or internationalcellular telephone systems to the Internet to point-to-point in-homewireless networks. Each type of communication system is constructed, andhence operates, in accordance with one or more communication standards.For instance, wireless communication systems may operate in accordancewith one or more standards including, but not limited to, IEEE 802.11,Bluetooth, advanced mobile phone services (AMPS), digital AMPS, globalsystem for mobile communications (GSM), code division multiple access(CDMA), local multi-point distribution systems (LMDS),multi-channel-multi-point distribution systems (MMDS), radio frequencyidentification (RFID), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE),General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and/or variations thereof.

Depending on the type of wireless communication system, a wirelesscommunication device, such as a cellular telephone, two-way radio,personal digital assistant (PDA), personal computer (PC), laptopcomputer, home entertainment equipment, millimeter wave transceiver,RFID tag, et cetera communicates directly or indirectly with otherwireless communication devices. For direct communications (also known aspoint-to-point communications), the participating wireless communicationdevices tune their receivers and transmitters to the same channel orchannels (e.g., one of the plurality of radio frequency (RF) carriers ofthe wireless communication system or a particular RF frequency for somesystems) and communicate over that channel(s). For indirect wirelesscommunications, each wireless communication device communicates directlywith an associated base station (e.g., for cellular services) and/or anassociated access point (e.g., for an in-home or in-building wirelessnetwork) via an assigned channel. To complete a communication connectionbetween the wireless communication devices, the associated base stationsand/or associated access points communicate with each other directly,via a system controller, via the public switch telephone network, viathe Internet, and/or via some other wide area network.

The advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one skilledin the art when presented with the disclosure herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods of operationthat are further described in the following Brief Description of theDrawings, the Detailed Description of the Invention, and the claims.Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of the invention madewith reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a pictorial diagram representation of a communication devicein accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an RFtransceiver in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of millimeterwave transceivers in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram representation of a data frame in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram representation of another data frame inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram representation of another data frame inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a graphical representation of a device list in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a graphical representation of a screen display in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a graphical representation of another screen display inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a graphical representation of another screen display inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention; and

FIG. 27 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationsystem in accordance with the present invention. In particular acommunication system is shown that includes a communication device 10that communicates real-time data 24 and/or non-real-time data 26wirelessly with one or more other devices such as base station 18,non-real-time device 20, real-time device 22, and non-real-time and/orreal-time device 25 via two different communication paths. In addition,communication device 10 can also communicate via wireline communicationswith non-real-time device 12, real-time device 14, non-real-time and/orreal-time device 16.

The wireless connections can communicate in accordance with a wirelessnetwork protocol such as a millimeter wave communication protocol, IEEE802.11, Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, infrared dataassociation (IrDA), WIMAX, or other wireless network protocol, awireless telephony data/voice protocol such as Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced DataRates for Global Evolution (EDGE), Personal Communication Services(PCS), or other mobile wireless protocol or other wireless communicationprotocol, either standard or proprietary. Further, the wirelesscommunication path can include separate transmit and receive paths thatuse separate carrier frequencies and/or separate frequency channels.Alternatively, a single frequency or frequency channel can be used tobi-directionally communicate data to and from the communication device10 for each wireless connection.

Communication device 10 can be a mobile phone such as a cellulartelephone, a personal digital assistant, communications device, personalcomputer, laptop computer, or other device that performs one or morefunctions that include communication of voice and/or data via two ormore wireless communication paths. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, the real-time and non-real-time devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20,22 and 25 can be personal computers, laptops, PDAs, mobile phones, suchas cellular telephones, devices equipped with wireless local areanetwork or Bluetooth transceivers, FM tuners, TV tuners, digitalcameras, digital camcorders, a mouse or other pointing device, a touchpad, keyboard, keypad, microphone, earphones, headsets or other devicesthat either produce, process or use audio, video signals or other dataor communications.

In operation, the communication device 10 can include one or moreapplications that operate based on user data, such as user data from aperipheral device or user interface device integrated in communicationsdevice 10. Examples of these application include voice communicationssuch as standard telephony applications, voice-over-Internet Protocol(VoIP) applications, local gaming, Internet gaming, email, instantmessaging, multimedia messaging, web browsing, audio/video recording,audio/video playback, audio/video downloading, playing of streamingaudio/video, office applications such as databases, spreadsheets, wordprocessing, presentation creation and processing and other voice anddata applications. In conjunction with these applications, the real-timedata 26 can include voice, audio, video and multimedia applicationsincluding Internet gaming, etc. The non-real-time data 24 can includetext messaging, email, web browsing, file uploading and downloading,etc.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 10includes a circuit, such as an RF integrated circuit that includes oneor more features or functions of the present invention. Such circuitsshall be described in greater detail in association with FIGS. 2-27 thatfollow.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, device 200, such as communication device 10, communicatesfirst data with a remote communication device 202 via RF communicationpath 206 that uses a first protocol. In addition, device 200communicates second data with the device 202 via a millimeter wavecommunication path that uses a second protocol. Device 200 includes acommunication control module 79 that coordinates the communication ofthe first data and the second data with the remote communication deviceto establish at least one parameter of the second protocol.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the RF communication path 206is a standard communication path in a 800 Mhz, 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 Ghzor other frequency band, that operates as an 802.11, wireless telephony,WIMAX, UWB, or Bluetooth communication path that allows either directcommunication between the devices 200 and 202 or indirectcommunications, via a base station, network, access point, relay orother indirect connection. The first data communicated via the RFcommunication path 206 can include data that establishes one or more theparameters of the protocol used to communicate via the millimeter wavecommunication path 204, such as a protocol selection, a modulationselection, a data rate selection, a channel selection, a securityparameter, an antenna parameter, and a transmission power parameter.

In one example, first data is communicated via an RF communication path206, such as a wireless local area network that operates via an 802.11protocol in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The first data is used to set-upa millimeter wave communication path in the 60 GHz frequency band forhigher data rate communication, by setting or negotiating the set-up ofthe protocol, security parameters, such as the encryption scheme,modulation scheme, power level, etc. In addition, one or more of theprotocol parameters, such as an encryption key, password, userID,maximum data rate, etc, can further be set, shared or negotiated viasecond data one the millimeter wave communication path 204 has beenestablished on an initial, interim or preliminary basis.

An example implementation of device 200 is presented in conjunction withFIG. 3 that follows.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integratedcircuit in accordance with the present invention. In particular, an RFintegrated circuit (IC) 50 is shown that implements communication device10 and/or 200 in conjunction with microphone 60, keypad/keyboard 58,memory 54, speaker 62, display 56, camera 76, antenna interface 52 andwireline port 64. In addition, RF IC 50 includes a transceiver 73 withRF and baseband modules for formatting and modulating data into RFreal-time data 26 and non-real-time data 24 and transmitting this datavia an antenna interface 72 to one or more remote communication devicessuch as device 200, via RF communication path 206. RF IC 50 alsoincludes an antenna, antenna interface 78 and millimeter wavetransceiver 77 for communicating with an external device such as such asdevice 202 via a millimeter wave communication path 204. Further, RF IC50 includes an input/output module 71 with appropriate encoders anddecoders for communicating via the wireline connection 28 via wirelineport 64, an optional memory interface for communicating with off-chipmemory 54, a codec for encoding voice signals from microphone 60 intodigital voice signals, a keypad/keyboard interface for generating datafrom keypad/keyboard 58 in response to the actions of a user, a displaydriver for driving display 56, such as by rendering a color videosignal, text, graphics, or other display data, and an audio driver suchas an audio amplifier for driving speaker 62 and one or more otherinterfaces, such as for interfacing with the camera 76 or the otherperipheral devices.

Off-chip power management circuit 95 includes one or more DC-DCconverters, voltage regulators, current regulators or other powersupplies for supplying the RF IC 50 and optionally the other componentsof communication device 10 and/or its peripheral devices with supplyvoltages and or currents (collectively power supply signals) that may berequired to power these devices. Off-chip power management circuit 95can operate from one or more batteries, line power and/or from otherpower sources, not shown. In particular, off-chip power managementmodule can selectively supply power supply signals of differentvoltages, currents or current limits or with adjustable voltages,currents or current limits in response to power mode signals receivedfrom the RF IC 50. RF IC 50 optionally includes an on-chip powermanagement circuit for replacing the off-chip power management circuit95.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the RF IC 50 is a system on achip integrated circuit that includes at least one processing device.Such a processing device, for instance, processing module 225, may be amicroprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. Theassociated memory may be a single memory device or a plurality of memorydevices that are either on-chip or off-chip such as memory 54. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note thatwhen the processing module 225 implements one or more of its functionsvia a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the associated memory storing the corresponding operationalinstructions for this circuitry is embedded with the circuitrycomprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry.

In operation, the RF IC 50 executes operational instructions thatimplement one or more of the applications (real-time or non-real-time)attributed to communication device 10 as discussed in conjunction withFIGS. 1-2. Further RF IC 50 includes communication control module 79that coordinates the communication of data via the RF communication path206 and the millimeter wave communication path 204 to, for instance,establish at least one parameter of the protocol used by the millimeterwave communication path 204. Communication management module 79 can beimplemented in hardware via its own processing circuit, state machine,logic circuit or other device or via software or firmware that isexecuted via a shared or dedicated processor such as processing module225 or other processing element.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an RF transceiver 125, such astransceiver 73 or 77, which may be incorporated in communication device10. The RF transceiver 125 includes an RF transmitter 129, an RFreceiver 127 that operate in accordance with a wireless local areanetwork protocol, a pico area network protocol, a wireless telephonyprotocol, a wireless data protocol, a millimeter wave protocol or otherprotocol. The RF receiver 127 includes a RF front end 140, a downconversion module 142, and a receiver processing module 144. The RFtransmitter 129 includes a transmitter processing module 146, an upconversion module 148, and a radio transmitter front-end 150.

As shown, the receiver and transmitter are each coupled to an antennathrough an off-chip antenna interface 171 and a diplexer (duplexer) 177,that couples the transmit signal 155 to the antenna to produce outboundRF signal 170 and couples inbound RF signal 152 to produce receivedsignal 153. While a single antenna is represented, the receiver andtransmitter may each employ separate antennas or share a multipleantenna structure that includes two or more antennas. In anotherembodiment, the receiver and transmitter may share a multiple inputmultiple output (MIMO) antenna structure that includes a plurality ofantennas. Each antenna may be fixed, programmable, an antenna array orother antenna configuration. Accordingly, the antenna structure of thewireless transceiver may depend on the particular standard(s) to whichthe wireless transceiver is compliant and the applications thereof.

In operation, the transmitter receives outbound data 162 from processor225 or other or other source via the transmitter processing module 146.The transmitter processing module 146 processes the outbound data 162 inaccordance with a particular wireless communication standard (e.g., IEEE802.11, Bluetooth, RFID, GSM, CDMA, et cetera) to produce baseband orlow intermediate frequency (IF) transmit (TX) signals 164. The basebandor low IF TX signals 164 may be digital baseband signals (e.g., have azero IF) or digital low IF signals, where the low IF typically will bein a frequency range of one hundred kilohertz to a few megahertz. Notethat the processing performed by the transmitter processing module 146includes, but is not limited to, scrambling, encoding, puncturing,mapping, modulation, and/or digital baseband to IF conversion. Furthernote that the transmitter processing module 146 may be implemented usinga shared processing device, individual processing devices, or aplurality of processing devices and may further include memory. Such aprocessing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digitalsignal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operationalinstructions. The memory may be a single memory device or a plurality ofmemory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, randomaccess memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,dynamic memory, flash memory, and/or any device that stores digitalinformation. Note that when the processing module 146 implements one ormore of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the correspondingoperational instructions is embedded with the circuitry comprising thestate machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry.

The up conversion module 148 includes a digital-to-analog conversion(DAC) module, a filtering and/or gain module, and a mixing section. TheDAC module converts the baseband or low IF TX signals 164 from thedigital domain to the analog domain. The filtering and/or gain modulefilters and/or adjusts the gain of the analog signals prior to providingit to the mixing section. The mixing section converts the analogbaseband or low IF signals into up converted signals 166 based on atransmitter local oscillation.

The radio transmitter front end 150 includes a power amplifier and mayalso include a transmit filter module. The power amplifier amplifies theup converted signals 166 to produce outbound RF signals 170, which maybe filtered by the transmitter filter module, if included. The antennastructure transmits the outbound RF signals 170 to a targeted devicesuch as a RF tag, base station, an access point and/or another wirelesscommunication device via an antenna interface 171 coupled to an antennathat provides impedance matching and optional bandpass filtration.

The receiver receives inbound RF signals 152 via the antenna andoff-chip antenna interface 171 that operates to process the inbound RFsignal 152 into received signal 153 for the receiver front-end 140. Ingeneral, antenna interface 171 provides impedance matching of antenna tothe RF front-end 140 and optional bandpass filtration of the inbound RFsignal 152.

The down conversion module 70 includes a mixing section, an analog todigital conversion (ADC) module, and may also include a filtering and/orgain module. The mixing section converts the desired RF signal 154 intoa down converted signal 156 that is based on a receiver localoscillation 158, such as an analog baseband or low IF signal. The ADCmodule converts the analog baseband or low IF signal into a digitalbaseband or low IF signal. The filtering and/or gain module high passand/or low pass filters the digital baseband or low IF signal to producea baseband or low IF signal 156. Note that the ordering of the ADCmodule and filtering and/or gain module may be switched, such that thefiltering and/or gain module is an analog module.

The receiver processing module 144 processes the baseband or low IFsignal 156 in accordance with a particular wireless communicationstandard (e.g., IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, RFID, GSM, CDMA, et cetera) toproduce inbound data 160. The processing performed by the receiverprocessing module 144 can include, but is not limited to, digitalintermediate frequency to baseband conversion, demodulation, demapping,depuncturing, decoding, and/or descrambling. Note that the receiverprocessing modules 144 may be implemented using a shared processingdevice, individual processing devices, or a plurality of processingdevices and may further include memory. Such a processing device may bea microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The memorymay be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note thatwhen the receiver processing module 144 implements one or more of itsfunctions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operationalinstructions is embedded with the circuitry comprising the statemachine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of millimeter wavetransceivers in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention. In the particular embodiment, RFID technology is used toimplement millimeter wave transceivers 77 and 120 for communicationbetween two or more devices 200 and 202—with one device operating in asimilar fashion to an RFID reader, and the other device operatingsimilar to an RFID tag. As shown, millimeter wave transceiver 77includes a protocol processing module 340, an encoding module 342, an RFfront-end 346, a digitization module 348, a predecoding module 350 and adecoding module 352, all of which together form components of themillimeter wave transceiver 77. Millimeter wave transceiver 77optionally includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 344.

The protocol processing module 340 is operably coupled to prepare datafor encoding in accordance with a particular RFID standardized protocol.In an exemplary embodiment, the protocol processing module 340 isprogrammed with multiple RFID standardized protocols or other protocolsto enable the millimeter wave transceiver 77 to communicate with anydevice, regardless of the particular protocol associated with thedevice. In this embodiment, the protocol processing module 340 operatesto program filters and other components of the encoding module 342,decoding module 352, pre-decoding module 350 and RF front end 346 inaccordance with the particular RFID standardized protocol of the devicescurrently communicating with the millimeter wave transceiver 77.However, if devices 200 or 202 each operate in accordance with a singleprotocol, this flexibility can be omitted.

In operation, once the particular protocol has been selected forcommunication with one or more devices, such as device 200 or 202, theprotocol processing module 340 generates and provides digital data to becommunicated to a millimeter wave transceiver 120 to the encoding module342 for encoding in accordance with the selected protocol. This digitaldata can include commands to power up the millimeter wave transceiver120, to read user data or other commands or data used by the device inassociation with its operation. By way of example, but not limitation,the RFID protocols may include one or more line encoding schemes, suchas Manchester encoding, FM0 encoding, FM1 encoding, etc. Thereafter, inthe embodiment shown, the digitally encoded data is provided to thedigital-to-analog converter 344 which converts the digitally encodeddata into an analog signal. The RF front-end 346 modulates the analogsignal to produce an RF signal at a particular carrier frequency that istransmitted via antenna 360 to one or more devices 200 or 202.

The RF front-end 346 further includes transmit blocking capabilitiessuch that the energy of the transmitted RF signal does not substantiallyinterfere with the receiving of a back-scattered or other RF signalreceived from one or more devices via the antenna 360. Upon receiving anRF signal from one or more devices, the RF front-end 346 converts thereceived RF signal into a baseband signal. The digitization module 348,which may be a limiting module or an analog-to-digital converter,converts the received baseband signal into a digital signal. Thepredecoding module 350 converts the digital signal into an encodedsignal in accordance with the particular RFID protocol being utilized.The encoded data is provided to the decoding module 352, whichrecaptures data, such as user data 102 therefrom in accordance with theparticular encoding scheme of the selected RFID protocol. The protocolprocessing module 340 processes the recovered data to identify theobject(s) associated with the device(s) and/or provides the recovereddata to the server and/or computer for further processing.

The processing module 340 may be a single processing device or aplurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be amicroprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/oroperational instructions. The processing module may have an associatedmemory element, which may be a single memory device, a plurality ofmemory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of the processing module. Sucha memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory,volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory,flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digitalinformation. Note that when the processing module 40 implements one ormore of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory element storing thecorresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, orexternal to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

Millimeter wave transceiver 120 includes a power generating circuit 240,an oscillation module 244, a processing module 246, an oscillationcalibration module 248, a comparator 250, an envelope detection module252, a capacitor C1, and a transistor T1. The oscillation module 244,the processing module 246, the oscillation calibration module 248, thecomparator 250, and the envelope detection module 252 may be a singleprocessing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such aprocessing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digitalsignal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of thecircuitry and/or operational instructions. One or more of the modules244, 246, 248, 250, 252 may have an associated memory element, which maybe a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/orembedded circuitry of the module. Such a memory device may be aread-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatilememory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory,and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that when themodules 244, 246, 248, 250, 252 implement one or more of their functionsvia a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the memory element storing the corresponding operationalinstructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitrycomprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry.

In operation, the power generating circuit 240 generates a supplyvoltage (V_(DD)) from a radio frequency (RF) signal that is received viaantenna 254. The power generating circuit 240 stores the supply voltageV_(DD) in capacitor C1 and provides it to modules 244, 246, 248, 250,252.

When the supply voltage V_(DD) is present, the envelope detection module252 determines an envelope of the RF signal, which includes a DCcomponent corresponding to the supply voltage V_(DD). In one embodiment,the RF signal is an amplitude modulation signal, where the envelope ofthe RF signal includes transmitted data. The envelope detection module252 provides an envelope signal to the comparator 250. The comparator250 compares the envelope signal with a threshold to produce a stream ofrecovered data.

The oscillation module 244, which may be a ring oscillator, crystaloscillator, or timing circuit, generates one or more clock signals thathave a rate corresponding to the rate of the RF signal in accordancewith an oscillation feedback signal. For instance, if the RF signal is a60 GHz signal, the rate of the clock signals will be n*60 GHz, where “n”is equal to or greater than 1.

The oscillation calibration module 248 produces the oscillation feedbacksignal from a clock signal of the one or more clock signals and thestream of recovered data. In general, the oscillation calibration module248 compares the rate of the clock signal with the rate of the stream ofrecovered data. Based on this comparison, the oscillation calibrationmodule 248 generates the oscillation feedback to indicate to theoscillation module 244 to maintain the current rate, speed up thecurrent rate, or slow down the current rate.

The processing module 246 receives the stream of recovered data and aclock signal of the one or more clock signals. The processing module 246interprets the stream of recovered data to determine a command orcommands contained therein. The command may be to store data, updatedata, reply with stored data, verify command compliance, read user data,an acknowledgement, etc. If the command(s) requires a response, theprocessing module 246 provides a signal to the transistor T1 at a ratecorresponding to the RF signal. The signal toggles transistor T1 on andoff to generate an RF response signal that is transmitted via theantenna. In one embodiment, the millimeter wave transceiver 120 utilizesa back-scattering RF communication to send data that includes user data.

The millimeter wave transceiver 120 may further include a currentreference (not shown) that provides one or more reference, or biascurrents to the oscillation module 244, the oscillation calibrationmodule 248, the envelope detection module 252, and the comparator 250.The bias current may be adjusted to provide a desired level of biasingfor each of the modules 244, 248, 250, and 252.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular a communication system is shown that uses similar elementsfrom FIGS. 2-5 that are referred to by common reference numerals. Inthis embodiment of the present invention, device 200, via itscommunication control module 79, coordinates the communication of firstdata via the RF communication path 206 and second data via themillimeter wave communication path 204 to establish a virtual privatenetwork connection 210 between the device 200 and the remotecommunication device 202.

As previously discussed the RF communication path 206 can be a wirelesslocal area network, a wireless piconet, a wireless telephony network orother wireless network. In an embodiment of the present invention, thefirst data includes a request to establish a virtual private networkconnection between the device 200 and the device 202 via millimeter wavesignaling over the millimeter wave communication path. In response, datacan be exchanged between the devices 200 and 202 via the RFcommunication path 206 to establish one or more the parameters of theprotocol used to for the virtual private network connection 210, such asa protocol selection, a modulation selection, a data rate selection, achannel selection, a security parameter, an antenna parameter, and atransmission power parameter.

In one example, first data is communicated via an RF communication path206, such as a wireless local area network that operates via an 802.11protocol in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The first data is used to set-upa virtual private network connection 210 by setting or negotiating theset-up of the protocol, security parameters, such as the encryptionscheme, modulation scheme, power level, etc. of the millimeter wavecommunication path 204. In addition, one or more of the protocolparameters, such as an encryption key, password, userID, maximum datarate, etc, can further be set, shared or negotiated via second data onethe millimeter wave communication path 204 has been established on ainitial, interim or preliminary basis.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular a communication system is shown that uses similar elementsfrom FIGS. 2-6 that are referred to by common reference numerals. Inthis embodiment of the present invention, device 200, via itscommunication control module 79, coordinates the communication of firstdata via the RF communication path 206 and second data via themillimeter wave communication path 204 to establish a local area networkconnection 210 between the device 200 and a plurality of remotecommunication devices 202.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the local area networkcommunications are shared between the RF communications path 206 and themillimeter wave communication path 204. As discussed in conjunction withFIG. 2, the millimeter wave communications path 206 can be establishedin part via data transmitted over the RF communication path 204. Asdiscussed in conjunction with FIG. 6, the millimeter wave communicationpath can carry a virtual private network connection. Communicationcontrol module 79 can be used to coordinate local area networkcommunications via both the RF communications path 206 and themillimeter wave communication path 204 based on the type of data beingtransmitted. For example, high data rate communications such asstreaming video, high speed network downloads or other high speed dataapplications can be communicated via the millimeter wave communicationpath 204 when available and then RF communication path 206 can be usedfor lower data rate communications or when the millimeter wavecommunications are out of range or otherwise unavailable between devices200, 202. For example, secure data can be communicated over a virtualprivate network connection via the millimeter wave communication path204 when available and then RF communication path 206 can be used forunsecured communications.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, communication controlmodule 79 of device 200 can arbitrate communication between at least twoof the plurality of remote communication devices 202. For example,device 200 can receives a millimeter wave access request from one of theplurality of remote communication devices via the first data sent viathe RF communication path 206. In response communication control modulecan determines millimeter wave resource availability based on, forinstance an evaluation of current or planned usage and, when sufficientmillimeter wave resources are available to fulfill the millimeter waveaccess request, allocate at least one millimeter wave resource, such asa frequency channel, or time slot to the device 202 that made themillimeter wave access request. In particular, the communication controlmodule 79 can generate first data and command the device 200 to send anallocation confirmation message to the device 202 that initiated therequest, via the first data.

In another embodiment of the present invention, device 200 can receivesa millimeter wave access request from one of the plurality of remotecommunication devices via the second data sent via the millimeter wavecommunication path 204. In response communication control module candetermines millimeter wave resource availability based on, for instancean evaluation of current or planned usage and, when sufficientmillimeter wave resources are available to fulfill the millimeter waveaccess request, allocate at least one millimeter wave resource, such asa frequency channel, or time slot to the device 202 that made themillimeter wave access request. In particular, the communication controlmodule 79 can generate second data and command the device 200 to send anallocation confirmation message to the device 202 that initiated therequest, via the second data.

While the local area network communications is described above assharing the RF communications path 206 and the millimeter wavecommunication path 204. In a further embodiment, the local area networkconnection is conducted exclusively via the millimeter wavecommunication path 204. In this fashion, devices 200 and 202 can operatea separate local area network that, once established, is independent ofcommunications sent via RF communications path 206.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular a communication system is shown that uses similar elementsfrom FIGS. 2-7 that are referred to by common reference numerals. Inthis embodiment of the present invention, device 200, via itscommunication control module 79, coordinates the communication of firstdata via the RF communication path 206 and second data via themillimeter wave communication path 204 to establish a mesh networkbetween the device 200 and a plurality of remote communication devices201-203.

In this configuration, one or more of the devices 200-203 can operate asa relay to relay a communication from one device to another. Forinstance, a communication between device 200 and 202 could be relayedvia device 201 if devices 200 and 202 were not in direct communicationwith one another. In a similar fashion, a communication between device201 and 203 could be relayed via device 202, and a communication betweendevice 200 and 203 could be relayed via devices 201 and 202.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the mesh networkcommunications are shared between the RF communications path 206 and themillimeter wave communication path 204. As discussed in conjunction withFIG. 2, the millimeter wave communications path 206 can be establishedin part via data transmitted over the RF communication path 204. Asdiscussed in conjunction with FIG. 6, the millimeter wave communicationpath can carry a virtual private network connection. Communicationcontrol module 79 can be used to coordinate local area networkcommunications via both the RF communications path 206 and themillimeter wave communication path 204 based on the type of data beingtransmitted. For example, high data rate communications such asstreaming video, high speed network downloads or other high speed dataapplications can be communicated via the millimeter wave communicationpath 204 when available and then RF communication path 206 can be usedfor lower data rate communications or when the millimeter wavecommunications are out of range or otherwise unavailable between devices200, 202. For example, secure data can be communicated over a virtualprivate network connection via the millimeter wave communication path204 when available and then RF communication path 206 can be used forunsecured communications.

In addition, portions of a multi-hop communication can be relayed viadifferent communication paths. For instance, a data packet sent fromdevice 200 to device 202 can be sent to device 201 via the millimeterwave communication path 204 via the second protocol. In device 201, thedata packet can be reformatted in the first protocol. For instance, thedata packet can be tunneled in the first protocol or carried in thepayload of the first protocol and transmitted to the device 202.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, acknowledgements areused to confirm transmissions. These acknowledgements can be sentexclusively via the millimeter wave communication path 204 or the RFcommunication path 206 or via whichever communication path is availablefor each hop. For instance, a data packet sent from device 200 to device202 can be relayed via device 201. Once received by device 202, device202 can initiate an acknowledgement message back to device 200 viadevice 201 to acknowledge the packet was correctly received. In thisimplementation, device 200 can attempt to resend the original packet ifsuch an acknowledge message is not received. In a particularimplementation, the original packet can be sent via the millimeter wavecommunication path 204 while acknowledgement messages are sent via theRF communication path 206. This configuration is useful when, forinstance, the millimeter wave communication path 204 is secured, whilethe RF communication path 206 is unsecured. In this fashion, the securedlink can be used to send payload data, while he unsecured link is usedto transit control messages such as the acknowledgement messages orother control signaling.

While the mesh network communications are described above as sharing theRF communications path 206 and the millimeter wave communication path204, in a further embodiment, the mesh network can be conductedexclusively via the millimeter wave communication path 204. In thisfashion, devices 200-203 can operate a separate mesh network that, onceestablished, is independent of communications sent via RF communicationspath 206.

In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the devices 200-203includes a communication control module, such as communication controlmodule 79, that generates a routing table that includes possible routesfor communication between itself and other devices. When a new devicejoins the mesh, it generates its own direct routing table by eithersending out beacons or other test messages and receiving responses fromother devices, or by receiving beacons or other test messages from thesedevices. In response the new device further receives a routing tablefrom other devices in direct communication and uses this to build afinal routing table that includes both direct communication and indirectcommunication.

Consider the following example, where an existing mesh network existsbetween devices 201-203 and where each device can only communicatedirectly with its nearest neighbor. Each device has its own routingtable. For instance, device 201 has a routing table as follows thatindicates that communications with device 202 can be conducted directly,but communications with device 203 must be relayed via device 202.

Device 201 Device Relay1 Relay2 202 203 202Similarly, devices 202 and 203 have routing tables as follows.

Device 202 Device Relay1 Relay2 201 203

Device 203 Device Relay1 Relay2 202 201 202When device 200 joins the mesh it establishes a preliminary routingtable that includes those devices that are in direct communication asfollows:

Device 200 Device Relay1 Relay2 201This information is shared with other devices in the mesh in directcommunication, in this case only device 201. In response, device 201updates its routing table, and shares this routing table with the otherdevices in direct communication, in this case devices 200 and 202 and soon until all the devices in the mesh are updated. This can be aniterative process. As a result, each of the devices 200-203 has anupdated routing table as follows.

Device 200 Device Relay1 Relay2 201 202 201 203 201 202

Device 201 Device Relay1 Relay2 202 203 202 200

Device 202 Device Relay1 Relay2 201 203 200 201

Device 203 Device Relay1 Relay2 202 201 202 200 202 201After the routing tables have been updated under control of thecommunication control module 79 of each device, the communicationcontrol module 79 of each device in the mesh network can determine arouting for communication with each other device in the mesh.Packets/frames of data can be formatted for routing to a particulardevice based on a source identifier and a destination identifier, anoptionally based on one or more a relay identifiers included in theheader of the packet/frame. When a packet is received by a device200-203, the destination identifier is checked to see if thepacket/frame is directed to that particular device. If so, anacknowledgement message can be generated and sent back to the sourcedevice. If however, one or more of the relay identifiers matches thedevice that receives the packet/frame, the packet/frame is retransmittedalong the path to the destination, based on either the routinginformation in the packet/frame or based on the devices own routingtable.

While the foregoing example has discussed the formation of a meshnetwork based on routing tables maintained by each of the devices200-203 in the mesh, an ad hoc mesh network can likewise be establishedwhereby each device simply retransmits packets received that are notaddressed to it, while optionally appending a relay identifier to thepacket header to provide return routing information for thepacket/frame.

While the example of a linear mesh is shown in FIG. 8, more complexpatterns with multiple redundant routes between devices are possible. Inthis fashion, if a communication control module 79 is faced withmultiple routes to a particular device, it can default to the shortestroute, but use alternative routes if acknowledgments are not received.

FIGS. 9-11 present block diagram representations of several data framesin accordance with the present invention. In particular, data frames orpackets 220, 222 and 224 are presented that each include: a sourceidentifier that includes an address or other designation for theparticular device that originated the packet or frame; a destinationidentifier that includes an address or other designation for theparticular device that is meant to receive the packet or frame; a datasection that includes the data payload of the packet or frame; andoptional relay identifiers that includes an address or other designationfor the particular device or devices that either are intended to relaythe packet or frame or that actually do relay the packet or frame. Whilea particular data structure is shown, additional control data, such aserror correcting codes, error detecting codes, packet preambles, andother control information can likewise be included.

FIG. 12 is a graphical representation of a device list in accordancewith the present invention. In particular, an example device list 228 isshown that can be used by devices 200-203 and that can be complied andstored in a communication control module, such as communication controlmodule 79. The communications control module 79 further storesregistration information gathered via pairing or other registrationprocedure, corresponding to a plurality of registered remotecommunication devices. In further operation, the communication controlmodule 79 can compare the list of the plurality of remote communicationdevice in direct or indirect communication with the device to theplurality of registered remote communication devices to indicate on thelist which registered devices are present—currently available via director indirect communication and which devices are either turned off, outof range or otherwise unavailable.

The example device list 228 includes a list of devices (A, B, C, D). Thelist 228 identifies which of the devices are available by directcommunication (A, B) and via which communication links. The list furtheridentifies which of the devices are available by indirect communication(C), which devices are been registered (C, D) and which registereddevices are not available (D). This list can be displayed to the user ofa device, such as device 200 via a graphical interface device such as adisplay 56. While not shown, devices connected via an optional wirelineconnection, such as wireline connection 28 can likewise be displayed ina similar fashion along with the particular wireline connection mode,USB, Firewire, SCSI, PCMCIA, etc.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, a communication system is shown that includes a plurality ofdevices A, B, N and an access point (AP), such as real-time ornon-real-time devices 18, 20, 25, communication device 10, devices200-203, etc. Each device includes a graphical interface device, such asa touch screen or other display, such as display 56, for displaying alist of devices, such as list 228. Graphical user interface can be usedfor selecting a device to communicate with and a particular mode ofcommunication and/or communication path, based on the actions of a user.

FIG. 14 is a graphical representation of a screen display in accordancewith the present invention. In particular a screen display is shown fora device, such as device A of FIG. 13, that includes a list of devicesthat are either in direct or indirect communication. As shown, each ofthese devices B, C, D, E, F, G are represented by an icon. In anembodiment of the present invention, the display is a touch screen thatresponds by the first touch of a particular icon my highlighting thatparticular icon. As shown, the icon corresponding to Device C has beenhighlighted. A second touch by the user of this icon results in theselection of this particular device (Device C) for communication.

FIG. 15 is a graphical representation of another screen display inaccordance with the present invention. In particular a screen display isshown for a device, such as device A of FIGS. 13-14, that includes alist of communication links that are available to communicate with aparticular device. Following along with the example presented inconjunction with FIG. 14, after Device C has been selected, a pluralityof icons represent various communication links available forcommunicating with Device C. In an embodiment of the present invention,the display is a touch screen that responds by the first touch of aparticular icon my highlighting that particular icon. As shown, the iconcorresponding to a 60 GHz link, such millimeter wave communication path204, has been highlighted. A second touch by the user of this iconresults in the selection of this particular communication link forcommunication between Device A and Device C.

FIG. 16 is a graphical representation of another screen display inaccordance with the present invention. In particular a screen display isshown for a device, that follows along with the example presented inconjunction with FIGS. 14-15. In this case, a plurality of iconsrepresent various actions that a user of Device A can initiate for 60GHz communications with Device C, such as to initiate communications,cancel the communication and to optionally go back to the prior screen.In an embodiment of the present invention, the display is a touch screenthat responds by the first touch of a particular icon my highlightingthat particular icon. As shown, the icon corresponding to initiating the60 GHz link has been highlighted. A second touch by the user of thisicon results in the initiation of this particular communication link forcommunication between Device A and Device C.

FIG. 17 is a pictorial diagram representation of a communication deviceand peripheral in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. In particular, communications device 200 is shown that isimplemented via a mobile telephone or other mobile wirelesscommunication device that is capable of communication via two or morecommunication paths, such as RF communication path 206 and millimeterwave communication path 204 with a plurality of remote communicationdevices such as such as printer 7, computer 9, keyboard 11, keypad 13,touchpad 15, pointing device 17 and headset 19 or other is real-time ornon-real-time devices. In an embodiment of the present inventioncommunication device 200, via communication control module 79coordinates the communication of the first data via the RF communicationpath 206 in accordance with a first protocol and second data viamillimeter wave communication path 204 in accordance with a secondprotocol.

In one mode of operation, communication control module 79 facilitatescommunication between at least two of the plurality of remotecommunication devices. In particular, communication control module 79can receive a request from one of the plurality of remote communicationdevices via the first data and determine resource availability from asecond remote communication device, such as data from that devicereceived via either RF communications path 206 of millimeter wavecommunications path 204 that indicates the device is inactive orotherwise available to fulfill the request. When the second remotecommunication device is available to fulfill the request, communicationcontrol module 79 facilitates the communication between the first andsecond remote communication devices. In particular, the communicationcontrol module can facilitate the communication between the two remotecommunication devices by converting first data received from the firstremote communication devices to second data relayed to the second remotecommunication devices. Further, the communication control module 79 cansend an allocation confirmation message to the first remotecommunication devices via the first or second data.

In another mode of operation, communication control module 79 canreceive a request from one of the plurality of remote communicationdevices via the second data and determine resource availability from asecond remote communication device, such as data from that devicereceived via either RF communications path 206 of millimeter wavecommunications path 204 that indicates the device is inactive orotherwise available to fulfill the request. When the second remotecommunication device is available to fulfill the request, communicationcontrol module 79 facilitates the communication between the first andsecond remote communication devices. In particular, the communicationcontrol module can facilitate the communication between the two remotecommunication devices by converting second data received from the firstremote communication devices to first data relayed to the second remotecommunication devices. Further, the communication control module 79 cansend an allocation confirmation message to the first remotecommunication devices via the first or second data.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-17. In step 400, first data carried by RFsignaling is communicated with a remote communication device via a firstprotocol. In step 402, second data carried by millimeter wave signalingis communicated with the remote communication device via a secondprotocol. In step 404, the communication of the first data and thesecond data with the remote communication device is coordinated toestablish at least one parameter of the second protocol.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first protocol includesat least one of: a wireless local area network protocol; a wirelesspiconet protocol; and a wireless telephony protocol. The first data caninclude a request to establish communication between the communicationdevice and the remote communication device via millimeter wavesignaling. The first data can include the at least one parameter of thesecond protocol. The at least one parameter can include a protocolselection, a modulation selection, a data rate selection, a securityparameter, an antenna parameter, a transmission power parameter and/or achannel selection.

The first data can be communicated at a first data rate and the seconddata can be communicated at a second data rate that is higher than thefirst data rate. Step 404 can include negotiating the selection of aplurality of parameters of the second protocol via the first data.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-18. In step 410, first data carried by RFsignaling is communicated with a remote communication device via a firstprotocol. In step 412, second data carried by millimeter wave signalingis communicated with the remote communication device via a secondprotocol. In step 414, the communication of the first data and thesecond data with the remote communication device is coordinated toestablish a virtual private network connection between the communicationdevice and the remote communication device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the first protocol includes atleast one of: a wireless local area network protocol; a wireless piconetprotocol; and a wireless telephony protocol. The first data can furtherinclude a request to establish a virtual private network connectionbetween the communication device and the remote communication device viamillimeter wave signaling and at least one parameter of the secondprotocol. The at least one parameter can include a protocol selection, amodulation selection, a data rate selection, a security parameter, anencryption parameter, transmission power parameter and/or a channelselection. The first data can be communicated at a first data rate andthe second data can be communicated at a second data rate that is higherthan the first data rate. Step 414 can include negotiating the selectionof a plurality of parameters of the second protocol via the first data.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-19. In step 420, first data is communicatedwith at least one of a plurality of remote communication devices via afirst protocol and a first frequency band. In step 422, second data iscommunicated with at least one of the plurality of remote communicationdevices via a second protocol and a second frequency band. In step 424,the communication of the first data and the second data with the atleast one of the plurality of remote communication devices iscoordinated. In step 426, a local area network connection is establishedbetween the communication device and the plurality of remotecommunication devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first protocol includesat least one of: a wireless local area network protocol; a wirelesspiconet protocol; and a wireless telephony protocol. The local areanetwork connection can be conducted exclusively via the second frequencyband. The local area network connection can be conducted via the firstfrequency band and the second frequency band. The second frequency bandcan include a 60 GHz band.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-20. In step 430, communication between at leasttwo of the plurality of remote communication devices is arbitrated.

Step 430 can include receiving a millimeter wave access request from oneof the plurality of remote communication devices via the first data;determining millimeter wave resource availability; and when sufficientmillimeter wave resources are available to fulfill the millimeter waveaccess request, allocating at least one millimeter wave resource inresponse to the millimeter wave access request. Step 430 can includesending an allocation confirmation message to the one of the pluralityof remote communication devices via the first data. Step 430 can includereceiving an millimeter wave access request from one of the plurality ofremote communication devices via the second data; determining millimeterwave resource availability; and when sufficient millimeter waveresources are available to fulfill the millimeter wave access request,allocating at least one millimeter wave resource in response to themillimeter wave access request. Step 430 can include sending anallocation confirmation message to the one of the plurality of remotecommunication devices via the second data.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-21. In step 440, first data is communicatedwith at least one of a plurality of remote communication devices via afirst protocol and a first frequency band. In step 442, second data iscommunicated with at least one of the plurality of remote communicationdevices via a second protocol and a second frequency band. In step 444the communication of the first data and the second data with the atleast one of the plurality of remote communication devices iscoordinated. And in step 446, a mesh network is established between thecommunication device and the plurality of remote communication devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first protocol includesat least one of: a wireless local area network protocol; a wirelesspiconet protocol; and a wireless telephony protocol. Step 446 caninclude generating a routing table that includes possible routes forcommunication between the communication device and the plurality ofremote communication devices. The possible routes can include directroutes and/or indirect routes including at least one relay point. Thesecond protocol can include a source identifier and a destinationidentifier at least one relay identifier. The second protocol canoperate in accordance with acknowledgement messages to confirm delivery.The mesh network can be conducted exclusively via the second frequencyband or conducted via the first frequency band and the second frequencyband. The second frequency band can include a 60 GHz band.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-22. In step 450, first data is communicatedwith at least one of a plurality of remote communication devices via afirst protocol and a first frequency band in a first mode of operation.In step 452, second data is communicated with at least one of theplurality of remote communication devices via a second protocol and asecond frequency band in a second mode of operation. In step 454, thecommunication of the first data and the second data is coordinated withthe at least one of the plurality of remote communication devices. Instep 456, at least one of the plurality of remote communication devicesis graphically selected based on actions of a user. In step 458, atleast one of the first mode of operation and the second mode ofoperation, is graphically selected based on the actions of the user.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-23. In step 460, a list of the plurality ofremote communication devices is generated and step 456 of FIG. 23 canincludes displaying the list of the plurality of remote communicationdevices.

Displaying the list can include displaying the list of the plurality ofremote communication devices as a plurality of icons corresponding tothe plurality of remote communication devices and step 456 can includereceiving user input via a touch screen. The list of the plurality ofremote communication devices can indicate a first subset of theplurality of remote communication devices available by directcommunication and a second subset of the plurality of remotecommunication devices available by indirect communication. The list ofthe plurality of remote communication devices can indicate a firstsubset of the plurality of remote communication devices available viacommunications in the first frequency band and a second subset of theplurality of remote communication devices available via the secondfrequency band.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-17. In step 470, registration information isstored corresponding to a plurality of registered remote communicationdevices. In step 472, the list of the plurality of remote communicationdevice is compared to the plurality of registered remote communicationdevices. A list of the plurality of remote communication devicesindicates a subset of the plurality of remote communication devices thatare included in the registered remote communication devices and/or notincluded in the registered remote communication devices.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-25. In step 480, first data is communicatedwith at least one of a plurality of remote communication devices via afirst protocol and a first frequency band in a first mode of operation.In step 482, second data is communicated with at least one of theplurality of remote communication devices via a second protocol and asecond frequency band in a second mode of operation. In step 484, thecommunication of the first data and the second data is coordinated tofacilitate communication between at least two of the plurality of remotecommunication devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first protocol includesat least one of: a wireless local area network protocol; a wirelesspiconet protocol; and a wireless telephony protocol. Step 484 caninclude receiving a request from one of the plurality of remotecommunication devices via the first data; determining resourceavailability from another of the plurality of remote communicationdevices; and when another of the plurality of remote communicationdevices are available to fulfill the request, facilitating communicationbetween the one of the plurality of remote communication devices and theanother of the plurality of remote communication devices. Step 484 caninclude facilitating the communication between the one of the pluralityof remote communication devices and the another of the plurality ofremote communication devices by converting first data received from theone of the plurality of remote communication devices to second datarelayed to the another of the plurality of remote communication devices.Step 484 can include sending an allocation confirmation message to theone of the plurality of remote communication devices via the first data.

Step 484 can include receiving a request from one of the plurality ofremote communication devices via the second data; determining resourceavailability from another of the plurality of remote communicationdevices; and when another of the plurality of remote communicationdevices are available to fulfill the request, facilitating thecommunication between the one of the plurality of remote communicationdevices and the another of the plurality of remote communicationdevices. Step 484 can include facilitating the communication between theone of the plurality of remote communication devices and the another ofthe plurality of remote communication devices by converting second datareceived from the one of the plurality of remote communication devicesto first data relayed to the another of the plurality of remotecommunication devices. Step 484 can include sending an allocationconfirmation message to the one of the plurality of remote communicationdevices via the second data.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-26. Step 490 can be used when a list of theplurality of remote communication devices is generated in particular,step 490 includes displaying the list of the plurality of remotecommunication devices.

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding termand/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted toleranceranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to,but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit processvariations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermalnoise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a fewpercent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, theterm(s) “coupled to” and/or “coupling” and/or includes direct couplingbetween items and/or indirect coupling between items via an interveningitem (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, anelement, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for indirect coupling, theintervening item does not modify the information of a signal but mayadjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As mayfurther be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element iscoupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirectcoupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. As mayeven further be used herein, the term “operable to” indicates that anitem includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s),etc., to perform one or more its corresponding functions and may furtherinclude inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may stillfurther be used herein, the term “associated with”, includes directand/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item beingembedded within another item. As may be used herein, the term “comparesfavorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items,signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when thedesired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude thansignal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude ofsignal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude ofsignal 2 is less than that of signal 1.

The present invention has also been described above with the aid ofmethod steps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

The present invention has been described above with the aid offunctional building blocks illustrating the performance of certainsignificant functions. The boundaries of these functional buildingblocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description.Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significantfunctions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocksmay also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certainsignificant functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram blockboundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and stillperform the certain significant functionality. Such alternatedefinitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocksand sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimedinvention. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that thefunctional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules andcomponents herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discretecomponents, application specific integrated circuits, processorsexecuting appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.

1. A communication device comprising: a first transceiver for communicating first data with at least one of a plurality of remote communication devices via a first protocol and a first frequency band; a second transceiver for communicating second data with at least one of the plurality of remote communication devices via a second protocol and a second frequency band; and a communication control module, coupled to the first transceiver and the second transceiver, for coordinating the communication of the first data and the second data with the at least one of the plurality of remote communication devices and for establishing a mesh network between the communication device and the plurality of remote communication devices wherein communication control module generates a routing table to facilitate communication between the communication device and the plurality of remote communication devices, wherein the routing table specifies a plurality of possible routes between the communication device and one of the plurality of remote devices.
 2. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the first protocol includes at least one of: a wireless local area network protocol; a wireless piconet protocol; and a wireless telephony protocol.
 3. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the possible routes include direct routes.
 4. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the possible routes include indirect routes including at least one relay point.
 5. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the second transceiver is a millimeter wave transceiver.
 6. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the second protocol includes a source identifier and a destination identifier and wherein the second protocol operates in accordance with acknowledgement messages to confirm delivery.
 7. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the second protocol includes a source identifier, a destination identifier and at least one relay identifier.
 8. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the mesh network is conducted exclusively via the second frequency band.
 9. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the mesh network is conducted via the first frequency band and the second frequency band.
 10. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the second frequency band includes a 60 GHz band.
 11. A method comprising: communicating first data with at least one of a plurality of remote communication devices via a first protocol and a first frequency band; communicating second data with at least another one of the plurality of remote communication devices via a second protocol and a second frequency band, wherein the second protocol is different from the first protocol and wherein the second frequency band is different from the first frequency band; and coordinating the communication of the first data and the second data with the at least one of the plurality of remote communication devices; and establishing a mesh network between the communication device and the plurality of remote communication devices by generating a routing table to facilitate communication between the communication device and the plurality of remote communication devices, wherein the routing table specifies a plurality of possible routes between the communication device and one of the plurality of remote devices.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the first protocol includes at least one of: a wireless local area network protocol; a wireless piconet protocol; and a wireless telephony protocol.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the second protocol includes at least one of: a wireless local area network protocol; a wireless piconet protocol; and a wireless telephony protocol.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein the possible routes include direct routes.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein the possible routes include indirect routes including at least one relay point.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein the second protocol includes a source identifier and a destination identifier and wherein the second protocol operates in accordance with acknowledgement messages to confirm delivery.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein the second protocol includes a source identifier, a destination identifier and at least one relay identifier.
 18. The method of claim 11 wherein the mesh network is conducted exclusively via the second frequency band.
 19. The method of claim 11 wherein the mesh network is conducted via the first frequency band and the second frequency band.
 20. The method of claim 11 wherein the second frequency band includes a 60 GHz band.
 21. A communication device comprising: a first transceiver for communicating first data with at least one of a plurality of remote communication devices via a first protocol and a first frequency band; a second transceiver for communicating second data with at least one of the plurality of remote communication devices via a second protocol and a second frequency band; and a communication control module, coupled to the first transceiver and the second transceiver, for coordinating the communication of the first data and the second data with the at least one of the plurality of remote communication devices and for establishing a mesh network between the communication device and the plurality of remote communication devices wherein communication control module generates a routing table to facilitate communication between the communication device and the plurality of remote communication devices, wherein the routing table specifies a plurality of possible routes between the communication device and one of the plurality of remote devices, wherein the plurality of possible routes include at least one direct route and at least one indirect route via at least one relay point. 